A handsome dog saved from a death sentence by a Perranporth owner has won a top national prize.

Nero, a lurcher cross Staffordshire bull terrier, was rescued by Mark Polmear on the day he was due to be put down.

Mr Polmear then entered Nero into the prestigious Scrufts contest for crossbreed dogs where he took first prize.

He said: “He has got the legs of a supermodel and the head of a boxer.”

Nero was originally at a dog pound in Lincolnshire and was due to be put down when Mr Polmear saw an alert on the Facebook page of Bissoe-based dog charity K9 Crusaders.

Mr Polmear said: “I saw Nero’s advert flash up saying he was going to be put to sleep and I thought ‘I can’t allow that’.”

After K9 Crusaders carried out a health check at Mr Polmear’s Perranporth home the dog was transported to Cornwall.

“He came down on the day he was meant to be put to sleep,” said Mr Polmear. “He bonded with my six-year-old daughter. They are constantly playing with each other. He has become a fully-fledged member of the family.”

Mr Polmear was looking for a new pet after his old dog, Lucky, died in July last year aged 13.

“It’s brought joy back into the house again after the sadness and loneliness of losing our first dog,” said Mr Polmear.

Nero had to beat competition from more than 100 dogs to take first prize in the Show Ready Coat class, judged by Jenny Pitman, OBE.

Mr Polmear and his family presented the £250 first prize to K9 Crusaders to assist the charity with its rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work.

Mr Polmear said: “They do it all for charity and are such good people.” The kennels are full, with a waiting list. Anyone able to offer a dog a home or make a donation can contact the charity on 01872 560232.